A Review
What disappointments me about this book is that it goes astray from most books with a similar title. What excites me about this book is that it goes astray from most books with a similar title.
When I think of a pastoral theology text, I think of a book that discusses the work of being a pastor - how to care for people and how to lead a church. This book is not so much the “how”, but the theological (i.e. Biblical) foundations for the “how”. Too often we disconnect our theology from our behavior - Akin and Pace have attempted to bring these two aspects of our lives as pastors together in a readable and understandable monograph designed for the pastor or pastoral student. The book does cover some of the practical concerns (i.e. the “how”) of being a pastor, but this is not its focus. Rather the book is designed to allow the student (whether in school or out of school) to explore what scripture says about our role as pastors.
This book is a must read for pastors of all flavors. We may not agree with all that is said, but we do need to grapple with its contents. I would also like to see this book adopted as an ancillary text for the pastoral student - whether in college or seminary. Though aimed, perhaps, more toward the seminary student; the book will be of value all those seeking to serve the local church. Because of this, the book also belongs in the Christian college (particularly those offering a pastoral studies track) and seminary library.
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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.
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